By Alufo Bonaventure
A joint delegation of professional bodies has met with the Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, to discuss growing concerns over building regulation violations and enforcement challenges across the state.
The meeting, held on June 16, brought together civil engineers, structural engineers, builders, architects and town planners to strengthen collaboration with the ministry in tackling illegal constructions, violations of approved building setbacks, the proliferation of shanties and other urban planning infractions across the state.
The delegation expressed concern over the increasing number of unapproved structures and the reported diversion of government fees into private accounts instead of official government channels, advocating stricter enforcement of building regulations and proposed measures to discourage the engagement of unqualified practitioners in construction projects.
Speaking during the meeting, Barr. Ojukwu emphasized the critical role of professionals in ensuring safe and sustainable urban development. According to him, the ministry cannot effectively discharge its responsibilities without the active involvement of qualified civil and structural engineers, architects, builders and town planners.
He identified the activities of quacks in the building industry as a major challenge contributing to building failures and collapses, stressing the need for stronger regulatory measures to ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals operate within the sector.
“We discussed ways to strengthen enforcement, ensuring that only properly trained and licensed professionals are allowed to undertake building development projects in Anambra State,” he said.
The commissioner also highlighted the need to simplify the assessment and payment process for government fees associated with physical planning permits, noting that a transparent and user-friendly system would reduce ambiguity and eliminate opportunities for exploitation.
“When the process is simplified, applicants will be able to determine the appropriate fees payable to government without difficulty, thereby promoting transparency and accountability,” he added.
Barr. Ojukwu assured the professional bodies that the ministry would continue to engage stakeholders regularly to improve service delivery and achieve its mandate.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Anambra State Chapter, Arc. Ikenna Onuorah, described the meeting as productive and timely, saying that participants would examined ways to streamline approval processes and development control mechanisms in the state, expressing confidence that the discussions would result in policies beneficial to Ndi Anambra.
Also speaking, Structural Engineer, Engr. Okey Nwosu said the engagement would help address recurring challenges such as building collapse by promoting professionalism and eliminating quackery from the construction industry.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Jessie Nkiru Nwankwo, Esq., commended the professional bodies for their contributions and valuable recommendations, assuring them that their suggestions would receive due consideration.
Alufo Bonaventure is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
